Pitts committed his future to Mansfield Town when he signed for their U18s from Sheffield Wednesday in July 2020, with COVID-19 forcing the young defenders time there to be a strange one.

However, Pitts featured in Mansfield Town’s FA Youth Cup Squad that made it through to the Second Round Proper last season – before bowing out to a 3-2 defeat against Burton Albion.

The young centre-back has also appeared five times for the Stags’ U18s this season – three times in the EFL Youth Alliance League and twice in the EFL Youth Alliance Cup, registering some high-quality performances.

Commenting on the arrival of Pitts, Ian Deakin said: “Bringing Freddie into the squad was a no brainer really – he is a very strong player and defensively he is fantastic.

“In terms of the squad depth, he will bolster us a little bit, because he has a really good temperament and is brilliant on the ball, so he will add real quality to an already really strong squad.”

Blues’ first-team manager Ian Deakin has prior understanding of Pitts’ abilities, seeing them in action first-hand whilst working at Mansfield Town.

“He is very good in the air, very athletic, communicates well, and is a very robust player – all that will obviously help us throughout the season, but also help him in his career”, Deakin added.

“I think the experience will do him a world of good, as a young player myself, going out on loan helped me develop my game, just coming away from academy football - the intensity, physicality and competitiveness of the men’s game will be beneficial to him.

“Also, being around the team – a good group of players that are doing really well at the moment – will give him a boost. It will not only help him develop as a player, but also gives us a lift as well, having high-calibre players that we can bring into our squad will be excellent for the club.

“We just cannot wait for Freddie to get going and get a real taste of what it is like to play men’s football.”

Pitts will travel with the squad and be available for selection in this weekends Emirates FA Cup match.